Diabetes Type 2 Support Group

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not make efficient use of it. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert food into glucose, a sugar that the body uses for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose can accumulate in the blood, and can cause serious health problems such as heart disease and strokes and organ damage...

What is Informed Consent?

According to the American Medical Association, It is a process of communication between a patient and physician that results in the patient's authorization or agreement to undergo a specific medical intervention.

The goal is to have the patient be an active participant in their health care. To give them a voice.

This means that phsycian and patient engage in discussion of the following elements:

the nature of the disease, decision or procedure
reasonable alternatives to the proposed intervention
the relevant risks, benefits, and uncertainties related to each alternative
assessment of patient understanding
the acceptance of situation by the patient

Certainly the doctor would give their learned opinion. After all they are the expert on the topic. However, incomplete information, co-ersion and mistakes are frequent enough in the medical community to cause alarm.

So where does this vulnerability within the rules of Informed Consent leave the average patient? With additional responsibility. Each individual is just as responsible for their own health care, if not arguably moreso, than their doctor.

This requires that a person do research and learn about their health problem, treatment options and such on their own. Including considering the negatives or undesirable elements. Get second or third opinions if necessary. Go to support groups and gather information from others already dealing with these things. Take time to ponder. Question everything. Dont make snap decisions.*

Seriously weigh:

What does it mean to have this disease
How will it affect my life
What are the risks and benefits associated with proposed treatment
Are there any alternative treatments
What are the risks and benefits of the alternatives
What are the risks of forgoing treatment

Only then can a person fully understand their situation. Sure some of the information is complicated. Some might be frightening. But it is necessary to learn ALL you can in order for you to truly apply the concept of Informed Consent.

Remember, you have a choice and you have the right and obligation to yourself to do what is in your own best interest.

No one can or should do that for you.

* In an emergency situation, Informed Consent should still be utilized although it would be necessary to hasten a decision based on information at hand, in the moment. More serious consideration can be given to after care options.

This is such good info, Socks. You could just as well have titled it &quot;What is a Good Doctor-Patient Relationship&quot;!

I was talking to my mother-in-law the other day as she was about to go for a doctor's visit. She was so anxious and worked up about it. I wish I had remembered this piece of yours. Simply thinking ahead about some of the things you listed would have helped her to clarify what *she* wanted out of the visit and would have lessened her anxiety.

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